A charge nurse is providing an inservice for staff nurses on the use of new IV pumps. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse take to best evaluate staff competency with the new equipment?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because allowing nurses to demonstrate proficiency during the workday is the most effective way to evaluate their competency with the new IV pumps. This method ensures hands-on experience and real-time application of knowledge. It allows the charge nurse to observe each nurse in action, identify any areas needing improvement, and provide immediate feedback. This approach is more practical and directly assesses the nurses' ability to use the equipment correctly. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A: Asking nurses to read and sign a form only shows that they have acknowledged the procedure, but it does not demonstrate their actual competency in using the equipment. C: Requiring a written examination tests theoretical knowledge but does not assess practical skills in using the IV pumps. D: Verbally questioning the staff may not accurately reflect their hands-on competency and may not provide a comprehensive evaluation of their proficiency with the new equipment.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Place the hands or a folded blanket under the head of the child. This action is important during a seizure to prevent injury to the child's head. Placing hands or a blanket under the head helps protect the child's head from hitting the ground and reduces the risk of head trauma. It is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of the child during a seizure. Moving on to why the other choices are incorrect: A: Moving chairs or desks is not necessary during a seizure and may not be feasible in a classroom setting. B: Noting the sequence of movements with the time lapse is not as important as ensuring the child's safety during the seizure. C: Providing privacy to minimize frightening other children is not the priority during a seizure; the focus should be on the safety and well-being of the child experiencing the seizure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because asking the child if the mouth is burning or if there is throat pain can help determine if a corrosive substance has been swallowed. Corrosive substances can cause immediate pain and burning sensation in the mouth and throat. This information is crucial for assessing the severity of the situation and providing appropriate care. Choice B is incorrect because taking the child's pulse and checking for breathing difficulties do not directly help in identifying if a corrosive substance has been ingested. Choice C is incorrect because the color of the child's lips and nails and voiding habits are not specific indicators of corrosive substance ingestion. Choice D is incorrect because symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps can be caused by various factors and may not specifically indicate ingestion of a corrosive substance.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The school-age child with acute epiglottitis should be cared for first due to the potential for airway compromise and respiratory distress, as evidenced by drooling and absence of spontaneous cough. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate intervention to prevent airway obstruction and ensure adequate oxygenation. Choice A is not the priority as a pulse oximetry reading of 95% is adequate, and the child is already receiving oxygen. Choice B, the toddler with otitis media, can be managed with antipyretics and antibiotics for the ear infection but does not have an immediate life-threatening condition. Choice D, the adolescent with sickle cell disease and pain, should receive pain medication but does not have an acute airway emergency like the child with epiglottitis. It is crucial to prioritize care based on the urgency and potential severity of the condition to ensure the best outcomes for the patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Review the events leading up to each medication administration error. This strategy should be initiated first because it allows the committee to identify the root causes of the errors. By analyzing the events leading up to each error, the committee can pinpoint specific breakdowns in the medication administration process and implement targeted interventions to prevent future errors. This approach focuses on addressing the underlying issues that contribute to errors, leading to more effective and sustainable improvements in medication safety. Choice A is incorrect because providing an inservice on medication administration may be beneficial but does not address the specific causes of the errors. Choice B is also incorrect as simply requiring staff nurses to pass an examination may not address the systemic issues that contribute to errors. Choice D is incorrect as developing a quality improvement program for nurses involved in errors is reactive rather than proactive and may not prevent future errors.